Monday, May 4, 2026. A cool, mostly cloudy morning at Reagan National is setting the stage for a very different kind of afternoon. Temperatures that started in the mid 50s are on track to climb into the upper 70s under bright sunshine, with southwest winds gearing up and gusting as the day wears on. Enjoy the brief taste of almost-summer, because a strong cold front is lining up to crash the party by midweek.
Afternoon Sunshine And Gusty Winds
Most neighborhoods around the Washington region should top out near 77°F today, with southwest winds around 5 to 12 mph and gusts reaching roughly 20 to 25 mph. It will feel breezier than the numbers alone suggest, especially in exposed spots.
Tuesday turns the dial up another notch, with highs pushing into the 80s and even stronger gusts on tap. It is a good window to knock out yard work or any outdoor projects before the rain moves in. Light outdoor items should be tied down or brought inside, and cyclists and bridge commuters will want to watch for gusty crosswinds.
Rain And Thunderstorms Midweek
On Wednesday, a strong cold front drops into the region, bringing widespread rain and periods of showers and thunderstorms that are likely to linger into Thursday. Early guidance points to broad totals of about one half inch to an inch of rain, with some spots potentially seeing a bit more.
Behind the front, the air mass turns noticeably cooler. Highs tumble back into the 50s and low 60s on Thursday, a sharp change from the early week warmth. These timing and rainfall details come from the National Weather Service for the Baltimore and Washington area.
Marine And Tidal Concerns
Small Craft Advisories remain in effect across portions of the Chesapeake Bay and the tidal Potomac through 11 AM EDT Monday, May 4, 2026. An additional advisory runs from noon to 7 PM EDT Monday for the upper and middle Potomac, as gusts approach advisory thresholds. Mariners with smaller vessels should think twice before heading out until winds ease.
Tidal anomalies are also in play. The Annapolis gauge is nearing minor flood levels with the morning high tide, although current forecasts keep the site just shy of minor flood stage. Forecasters say they will continue to monitor the situation. For the latest watches, advisories and tide forecasts, see the National Weather Service.
Plan Ahead
The bottom line is simple: enjoy the warm, breezy setup today and Tuesday, then prepare for a cooler, wetter stretch from Wednesday into Thursday. If you have outdoor plans later in the week, move them to Tuesday if you can, and keep an umbrella and a backup plan ready for midweek. Before heading out, especially on the water, check the latest updates from the National Weather Service and local marine advisories.
